1st Quarter 2006

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey

United States

Manpower Inc., 5301 N. Ironwood Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217

Tel: 414 961 1000
www.us.manpower.com

© 2005, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

S M A RT J O B N o : 0 0226 ORDER No: -

C L I E N T: M A N P OW E R
S U B J E C T: U SA M E O S Q 10 6
T E M P L AT E : -
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D O C U M E N T N A M E : 0 0226 U SA Q 10 6 – C OV E R
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Contents
United States Employment Outlook 2
Regional Comparisons
Sector Comparisons

Global Employment Outlook 14

International Comparisons – Americas
International Comparisons – Asia Pacific
International Comparisons – Europe

About the Survey 20

About Manpower 21

1
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

The United States Employment Outlook

Nearly 16,000 interviews have been conducted with
employers across the United States to measure
anticipated employment trends between January and
March 2006. All participants were asked, “How do you
anticipate total employment at your location to change
in the three months to the end of March 2006 as
compared to the current quarter?”
Once seasonal variations are removed from the data,
a clearer picture of the hiring landscape emerges and
shows continued stability. The Net Employment Outlook
for the first three months of 2006 is identical to fourth
quarter levels and is similar to a year ago. This marks
a two-year period of very steady hiring projections
among U.S. employers.

Among U.S. employers polled, 23% anticipate an
increase in hiring activity for the first quarter of 2006,
while 10% expect to decrease staff levels. Sixty-one
percent of employers surveyed foresee no change in
hiring plans, while 6% are unsure of their staffing needs.
Throughout this report, we use the term “Net Employment
Outlook.” This figure is derived by taking the percentage
of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity
and subtracting from this the percentage of employers
that expect to see a decrease in employment at their
location in the next quarter.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
1st Quarter 2006 23 10 61 6 13 20
4th Quarter 2005 29 8 57 6 21 20
3rd Quarter 2005 31 6 57 6 25 21
2nd Quarter 2005 30 7 58 5 23 21
1st Quarter 2005 24 10 59 7 14 21

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-5
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

The results of the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey in the United States include Puerto Rico.

2
According to seasonally adjusted survey data, employers
in six out of 10 industry sectors surveyed foresee
minimal changes in hiring activity as they transition into
2006. Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Wholesale/Retail Trade, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate,
Education and Public Administration employers expect
the hiring pace to be about the same as it was during
the fourth quarter of 2005.
Construction employers report their most optimistic job
forecast in 27 years, while the hiring pace is likely to
soften from the fourth quarter in the Transportation/Public
Utilities and Services sectors. A more visible slowdown
is expected in the Mining sector, where hiring managers
report a moderate slide in employment plans.
Year-over-year comparisons show that employers in
half of the industry sectors surveyed are less confident
about hiring at the start of 2006 versus a year ago.
A decline in hiring expectations is reported in the
Mining, Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Transportation/Public Utilities and Finance/Insurance/Real
Estate industry sectors while those in the Wholesale/Retail
Trade and Services sectors are expected to hold
steady. The hiring outlook is brighter in several areas,
particularly in the Construction sector. Education and
Public Administration employers also expect stronger
hiring activity when compared with a year ago.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Construction 25 12 59 4 13 29
Education 17 4 75 4 13 14
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 24 4 65 7 20 20
Manufacturing – Durables 26 9 60 5 17 21
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 24 9 62 5 15 18
Mining 23 7 65 5 16 21
Public Administration 19 7 66 8 12 15
Services 25 8 60 7 17 21
Transportation & Public Utilities 23 8 63 6 15 17
Wholesale & Retail Trade 22 17 55 6 5 21

At the overall national level, the margin of error on the data is +/– 0.8%.

Among the U.S. regions, stronger hiring patterns are in
store for the South and the West when compared with
fourth quarter projections. Little change is anticipated in
the Midwest, while employers in the Northeast foresee
a noticeable slowdown in the hiring pace.
The employment outlook in the Northeast and the
South is relatively unchanged from a year ago.
Employers in the West are slightly more optimistic about
hiring for the coming quarter than they were in early
2005. Conversely, employers in the Midwest foresee
slightly less employment activity for the coming quarter.
Overall, employers in the West report the most positive
employment outlook for the January to March period,
while employers in the Northeast issued the weakest
hiring expectations.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
Midwest 19 11 66 4 8 17
Northeast 22 12 60 6 10 16
South 26 8 60 6 18 24
West 29 9 53 9 20 25

3
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

Regional Comparisons
Midwest
In the Midwest, 19% of employers surveyed foresee an
increase in hiring for the first quarter of 2006, while
11% plan to reduce staff levels. The result is a Net
Employment Outlook of 8%. When seasonal factors
are removed from the data, the survey shows that
employers expect the hiring pace to remain consistent
with the fourth quarter and to slow down slightly
compared with a year ago.
Employers in four out of the 10 industry sectors surveyed
suggest that hiring activity in the new year will be about
the same as it was at the close of 2005. That is the
case for the Construction, Transportation/Public
Utilities, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and Services
sectors. The employment outlook is a bit weaker in the
Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, and
Education sectors. Mining, Wholesale/Retail Trade
and Public Administration employers report good news
– a slight increase in the hiring pace compared with
fourth quarter.
Year-over-year comparisons show a decline in
employer confidence in half of the industry sectors
surveyed – Mining, Wholesale/Retail Trade, Services,
Durable Goods Manufacturing and Finance/Insurance/Real
Estate. The job market is expected to remain relatively
unchanged in the Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing
and Education sectors. Transportation/Public Utilities,
Public Administration and Construction employers are
more upbeat about hiring than they were a year ago
at this time.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 19 11 66 4 8 17
Construction 17 19 63 1 -2 23
Education 10 7 79 4 3 5
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 21 6 69 4 15 16
Manufacturing – Durables 24 10 62 4 14 18
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 22 9 66 3 13 18
Mining 0 0 100 0 0 7
Public Administration 18 10 68 4 8 13
Services 20 7 69 4 13 17
Transportation & Public Utilities 24 7 63 6 17 20
Wholesale & Retail Trade 16 18 62 4 -2 19

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-5
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

The Midwest Region comprises the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio,
South Dakota, Wisconsin.
4
Northeast
Among employers surveyed in the Northeast, 22%
anticipate an increase in payrolls for the beginning months
of 2006 and 12% expect to reduce employment levels.
This yields a Net Employment Outlook of 10%. The
seasonally adjusted data show that, among the four
U.S. regions, employers in the Northeast are least
optimistic about hiring in the new year. The results
suggest a decline in hiring activity compared with fourth
quarter, and a jobs picture that is likely to be about the
same as it was last year at this time.
Compared with fourth quarter, job seekers are likely to
have a more challenging search in the Mining,
Wholesale/Retail Trade, Services, Transportation/Public
Utilities, Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing, Finance/
Insurance/Real Estate and Public Administration sectors.
Hiring in Education is expected to remain unchanged,
while the hiring pace is likely to accelerate in the Durable
Goods Manufacturing and Construction sectors.
When compared with the beginning months of 2005,
the hiring pace is expected to decline in half of the
industry sectors surveyed. Those sectors are Mining,
Wholesale/Retail Trade, Non-Durable Goods
Manufacturing, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate and
Services. Little change in hiring activity is predicted
for the Transportation/Public Utilities and Education
sectors. On the bright side, the hiring pace is likely to
pick up in the Public Administration, Durable Goods
Manufacturing and Construction sectors.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 22 12 60 6 10 16
Construction 24 12 59 5 12 32
Education 16 2 76 6 14 13
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 23 6 64 7 17 19
Manufacturing – Durables 27 9 58 6 18 22
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 26 12 58 4 14 17
Mining 25 25 50 0 0 -6
Public Administration 13 8 71 8 5 7
Services 21 12 61 6 9 14
Transportation & Public Utilities 24 10 60 6 14 16
Wholesale & Retail Trade 18 22 54 6 -4 8

30

25

20

15

10

-5
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-10
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

The Northeast Region comprises the following states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Vermont.
5
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

South
Twenty-six percent of employers in the South are likely
to increase staff levels, while 8% expect to trim payrolls
in the January – March period, resulting in a Net
Employment Outlook of 18%. On a seasonally adjusted
basis, employers anticipate a slight improvement in the
hiring pace over fourth quarter and little change from
a year ago.
Quarter-over-quarter comparisons also reflect the relative
stability of the job market in the South. Mining, Durable
Goods Manufacturing, Finance/Insurance/Real Estate
and Services employers report hiring intentions that are
about the same as fourth quarter. A mild slow-down in
hiring activity is predicted by Public Administration and
Transportation/Public Utilities employers, while those in
the Construction and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing
sectors foresee a slight uptick in the hiring pace.
The most noticeable changes in employer optimism
can be found in the Education sector, where there is a
moderate drop in confidence about hiring gains, and
among Wholesale/Retail Trade employers, who anticipate
a respectable increase in employment activity.
The employment outlook is more positive than it was
a year ago in half of the industry sectors including
Mining, Construction, Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Wholesale/Retail Trade and Education. The hiring pace
is likely to be about the same as it was at the start
of 2005 in Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Transportation/Public Utilities, Finance/Insurance/Real
Estate and Services. Public Administration employers
are the only group to report decreased hiring
confidence compared with a year ago.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 26 8 60 6 18 24
Construction 29 8 58 5 21 31
Education 19 3 76 2 16 17
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 25 2 65 8 23 22
Manufacturing – Durables 29 8 58 5 21 26
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 23 8 64 5 15 18
Mining 27 6 61 6 21 26
Public Administration 17 4 69 10 13 16
Services 29 7 56 8 22 24
Transportation & Public Utilities 23 7 65 5 16 19
Wholesale & Retail Trade 27 14 52 7 13 28

30

25

20

15

10

0
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

The South Region comprises the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia.
6
West
In the West, 29% of employers plan to add staff, while
9% expect personnel reductions. This creates a Net
Employment Outlook of 20%. When seasonal variations
are removed from the data, it reveals the strongest
employment outlook among the four regions, a designation
the West held in the fourth quarter as well. Hiring
projections are up from fourth quarter and a year ago.
Compared with fourth quarter, hiring activity is likely to be
stronger in the Construction, Wholesale/Retail Trade,
Finance/Insurance/Real Estate, Services and Public
Administration sectors. Durable Goods Manufacturers
foresee no change in the hiring pace. The employment
outlook is weaker among Mining, Non-Durable Goods
Manufacturing, Transportation/Public Utilities and
Education employers.
The hiring pace in the Construction, Public Administration,
Wholesale/Retail Trade and Services sectors is expected
to be up over last year at this time. Education and
Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing employers foresee
little change in hiring levels. Employers with less optimistic
hiring plans for the new year include those in the Mining,
Durable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation/Public
Utilities and Finance/Insurance/Real Estate sectors.

Net Employment Seasonally

Increase Decrease No Change Don’t Know
Outlook Adjusted
% % % % % %
All Industries 29 9 53 9 20 25
Construction 32 10 51 7 22 36
Education 25 3 67 5 22 19
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate 28 2 61 9 26 24
Manufacturing – Durables 27 10 53 10 17 19
Manufacturing – Non-Durables 27 12 53 8 15 19
Mining 20 7 66 7 13 19
Public Administration 27 6 57 10 21 23
Services 32 7 51 10 25 30
Transportation & Public Utilities 23 12 58 7 11 12
Wholesale & Retail Trade 29 13 50 8 16 28

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-5
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

The West Region comprises the following states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon,
Utah, Washington, Wyoming.
7
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

Sector Comparisons
Some variation in first quarter hiring plans is revealed
among the 10 industry sectors on a seasonally adjusted
basis. Construction employers anticipate the most
promising hiring intentions moving into the new year.
A solid hiring pace is expected in Finance/Insurance/Real
Estate, Durable and Non-Durable Goods Manufacturing,
Services, Mining, Transportation/Public Utilities and
Wholesale/Retail Trade. Education and Public
Administration employers are more reserved about
job prospects for the January – March period.

Construction 13
29

Education 13
14
20
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
20
17
Manufacturing – Durables
21
15
Manufacturing – Non-Durables
18
16
Mining 21
12
Public Administration 15
17
Services 21
15
Transpor tation & Public Utilities 17
5
Wholesale & Retail Trade 21

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45

Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

8
Construction
Seasonally adjusted results show that Construction For the first quarter, hiring expectations in the
employers report the strongest employment outlook Construction sector are strongest in the West and
among the 10 industry sectors surveyed. In fact, weakest in the Midwest.
employer optimism is at one of its highest points in
the last three decades, according to survey historical
data. Hiring intentions are improved from fourth quarter
and a year ago.

40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
-15 Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-20
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

Education
Education employers expect job market stability, Hiring intentions among Education employers are
according to the seasonally adjusted survey results. most optimistic in the West and least promising in
Employers anticipate no change in the hiring pace from the Midwest.
fourth quarter, while a year-over-year comparison suggests
slightly more robust employment activity than in the
early months of 2005. Although the report for the
sector is positive, Education employers do have the
weakest hiring plans among the industries surveyed.

25
20
15
10
5
0
-5 Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-10
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

9
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

Finance, Insurance & Real Estate

For the first three months of the year, Finance/Insurance/
Real Estate employers report hiring plans similar to
those issued the last two quarters, according to
seasonally adjusted data. Employer confidence is down
slightly from last year at this time.
Among the regions, employers in the West revealed
the most optimism in their hiring plans while those in
the Midwest have cooler staffing expectations.

25

20

15

10

0
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

Manufacturing – Durable Goods

Durable Goods Manufacturers expect the hiring The strongest hiring activity for the sector is expected in
momentum to remain steady as they enter 2006, the South, while employers in the Midwest are more
according to seasonally adjusted data. The first quarter reserved in their staffing plans.
employment outlook is similar to estimates from the last
three quarters. However, employer confidence has taken
a slight dip since a year ago at this time.

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5 Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-10
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

10
Manufacturing – Non-Durable Goods
According to seasonally adjusted data, Non-Durable
Goods Manufacturers plan to hire at a steady pace
during the first quarter. The employment outlook is
in-line with results from the last three quarters, and down
slightly from a year ago.
There is little variation in the Non-Durable Goods
Manufacturing employment outlook across the regions.
Employers in the West are most optimistic about hiring
by a small margin, while those in the Northeast are a bit
more reserved.

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

Mining
On a seasonally adjusted basis, Mining employers
exhibit a notable decline in hiring plans for the January
– March period. A moderate drop in hiring activity is
expected over fourth quarter and last year at this time.
In the Mining sector, hiring is expected to be most
active in the South, while a much more dismal jobs
picture is predicted for the Northeast.

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

11
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

Public Administration
The new year brings continued stability for the Public
Administration sector, according to the seasonally adjusted
data. Employers foresee little change in the hiring pace over
fourth quarter, and a mild improvement from last year.
Employers in the West are most confident about adding
staff, while those in the Northeast anticipate slower hiring
than in the other three regions.

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

Services
Confidence among Services employers takes a slight Employers in the West are most likely to welcome job
tumble during the first quarter, according to seasonally seekers, while those in the Northeast report markedly
adjusted survey data. The hiring pace is likely to slow less optimistic hiring plans.
down slightly when compared with the fourth quarter,
however, it is identical to expectations from a year ago.

30
25
20
15
10
5
0
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted

12
Transportation & Public Utilities
When seasonal variations are removed from the data, Hiring plans are most promising in the Midwest, while
Transportation/Public Utilities employers show a the least amount of employment activity is expected in
measured decrease in confidence regarding employment the West.
prospects for the first quarter. Compared with fourth
quarter and a year ago, moderately weaker job prospects
are expected.

25
20
15
10
5
0
Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-5
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

Wholesale & Retail Trade

Another quarter of healthy hiring is expected in the For the January – March period, hiring intentions are
Wholesale/Retail Trade sector, according to seasonally strongest in the South and West, while employers in the
adjusted survey results. Hiring plans for the first quarter Northeast are notably less optimistic.
of 2006 are similar to those from fourth quarter and last
year at this time. This marks two years of stability in the
Wholesale/Retail Trade sector.

35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10 Net Employment Outlook Seasonally Adjusted
-15
’89 ’90 ’91 ’92 ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06

13
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

Global Employment Outlook

Over 45,000 employers have been interviewed across reported the weakest hiring intentions. Austrian
23 countries and territories to measure anticipated employers reported a negative Net Employment
employment trends between January and March 2006. Outlook for the first time since Q1 2004, whereas
employers in Italy reported their most pessimistic
Employers in 19 of the 23 countries and territories
Outlook since the survey began in the country in Q3
surveyed expect to add to their workforces in the first
2003. Although German employers intend to reduce
quarter of 2006, although 11 of the 23 countries and
staffing levels for the first three months of 2006, this
territories are reporting weaker employment prospects
forecast is slightly improved on a year-over-year basis.
compared to last year at this time. Employers in
14 countries, mainly those in Europe, are reporting In the U.S. and Canada, seasonally adjusted results
weaker employment prospects than three months ago. reveal continued buoyant hiring activity. With seasonal
Employers in India, New Zealand, Taiwan, the United variations removed, the UK’s Net Employment Outlook
States and Australia reported the strongest hiring is stronger than fourth quarter of 2005 but weaker
expectations, while those in Germany, Austria and Italy than a year ago.
Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change
Americas Quarter 1 2005 Quarter 4 2005 Quarter 1 2006 Q4 2005 to Q1 2006 Q1 2005 to Q1 2006
% % % % %
Canada 4 (19)1 16 (20)1 2(17)1 -14 (-3)1 -2 (-2)1
Mexico 12 19 17 -2 5
United States 14 (21)1 21 (20)1 13 (20)1 -8 (0)1 -1 (-1)1

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Asia Pacific Quarter 1 2005 Quarter 4 2005 Quarter 1 2006 Q4 2005 to Q1 2006 Q1 2005 to Q1 2006
% % % % %
Australia 17 18 20 2 3
China - 9 12 3 -
Hong Kong 26 13 16 3 -10
India - 40 27 -13 -
Japan 13 14 15 1 2
New Zealand 30 22 24 2 -6
Singapore 8 18 9 -9 1
Taiwan - 16 22 6 -

Net Employment Outlook Qtr on Qtr Change Yr on Yr Change

Europe Quarter 1 2005 Quarter 4 2005 Quarter 1 2006 Q4 2005 to Q1 2006 Q1 2005 to Q1 2006
% % % % %
Austria 1 0 -3 -3 -4
Belgium 5 8 8 0 3
France 2 5 0 -5 -2
Germany -6 -2 -4 -2 2
Ireland 15 14 11 -3 -4
Italy -1 -1 -2 -1 -1
Netherlands 3 5 3 -2 0
Norway 12 12 11 -1 -1
Spain 5 10 8 -2 3
Sweden 5 3 2 -1 -3
Switzerland - 3 2 -1 -
UK 14 (18)1 8 (5)1 9 (13)1 1 (8)1 -5 (-5)1
1. Number in parentheses is Net Employment Outlook when adjusted to remove the impact of seasonal variations in hiring activity for Canada, the UK
and the United States.
14
International Comparisons – Americas
Over 21,000 interviews have been conducted across
the United States, Canada and Mexico to measure
employment prospects for the first quarter of 2006.
The overall regional outlook shows employers in all
three countries reporting positive hiring intentions for
the first three months of 2006.
Employers in the U.S. are most optimistic about hiring,
reporting the same Net Employment Outlook as three
months ago, which is stable from last year at this time.
Employer hiring expectations are slightly weaker than
last year in Canada but remain favorable. Mexican
employers intend to start the new year on a confident
note, reporting a Net Employment Outlook equal to the
most positive first quarter Outlook recorded since the
survey began in the country in Q3 2002.

Canada Mexico
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

Line shows seasonally adjusted data.

USA
50

40

30

20

10

-10

-20
2003 2004 2005 2006

Line shows seasonally adjusted data.

15
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

International Comparisons – Asia Pacific

Nearly 13,000 interviews have been conducted across hiring expectations in Asia Pacific and among the other
Asia Pacific to measure anticipated employment trends 22 countries and territories surveyed internationally.
between January and March 2006. Employers in Singapore are least optimistic in the
region with a considerable slowdown expected in
Employment prospects are positive in all countries and
the first quarter. Notably, employers in Australia and
territories surveyed by Manpower in Asia Pacific, with
Japan reported their most positive first quarter Net
employers in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, New
Employment Outlooks since the survey began in their
Zealand and Taiwan reporting improved Net Employment
region in Q3 2003.
Outlooks compared to the final months of 2005. Indian
employers once again reported the most optimistic

Australia China
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

China joined the survey in Q2 2005.

Hong Kong India

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

India joined the survey in Q3 2005.

16
Japan New Zealand
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

New Zealand joined the survey in Q2 2004.

Singapore Taiwan
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero. Taiwan joined the survey in Q2 2005.

17
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA

International Comparisons – Europe

Over 11,000 interviews have been conducted across
12 European labor markets to measure anticipated
employment trends for the first quarter of 2006. European
employers’ first-quarter hiring plans, with the exception
of the UK, Norway and Ireland, are reserved. Year-over-
year, the Net Employment Outlooks have decreased in
seven of the 12 countries surveyed. Compared to last
quarter, the Outlooks have decreased in 10 countries.
Employer hiring expectations are strongest in the UK,
Norway and Ireland. The least optimistic and only negative
employment prospects were reported by employers in
Germany, Austria and Italy. While the German Outlook
worsened from last quarter, the first quarter Outlook is
slightly improved from one year ago. Austrian employers,
like those in Italy, are intending to make more workforce
reductions than additions and are the least optimistic they
have been since the survey began in the country in Q3
2003. Similarly, employment prospects in France are the
most conservative they have been since the survey was
established. The number of French employers planning
to hire in the first quarter is the same as those
anticipating cutbacks.
With seasonal variations taken into account, employment
prospects in the UK are improved from the fourth quarter
of 2005 but weaker compared to last year at this time.

Austria Belgium
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.

France Germany
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.

18
Ireland Italy
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.

Netherlands Norway
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

Spain Sweden
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

Switzerland UK
50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0

-10 -10

-20 -20
2003 2004 2005 2006 2003 2004 2005 2006

Switzerland joined the survey in Q3 2005. Line shows seasonally adjusted data.
No bar indicates Net Employment Outlook of zero.
19
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey USA
About the Survey
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted
quarterly to measure employers’ intentions to increase or
decrease the number of employees in their workforce during
the next quarter. The survey has been running for more than
40 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment
activity in the world. Various factors underpin the success of the
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey:
Unique: It is unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area
of focus.
Projective: The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the
most extensive, forward-looking employment survey in the
world, asking employers to forecast employment over the next
quarter. In contrast, other surveys and studies focus on
retrospective data to report on what occurred in the past.
Focused: For more than four decades, the survey has derived
all of its information from a single question.
Independent: The survey is conducted with a representative
sample of employers from throughout the countries in which it
is conducted. The survey participants are not derived from
Manpower’s customer base.
Robust: The survey is based on interviews with more than
45,000 public and private employers across 23 countries and
territories to measure anticipated employment trends each
quarter. This sample allows for analysis to be performed across
specific sectors and regions to provide more detailed information.
Methodology
The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted using
a validated methodology, in accordance with the highest
standards in market research. The research team for the 23
countries and territories where the survey is currently conducted
includes Manpower’s Market Intelligence team; the Organization
Research and Analysis Division of Right Management
Consultants – an independent operating division of Manpower
Inc.; NOP World and Grupo IDM. The survey has been
structured to be representative of each national economy. The
margin of error for all national, regional and global data is not
greater than +/- 4.0%.
In the United States, the national survey is conducted by
Manpower’s North American Market Intelligence Team and
includes 16,000 employers. With this number of interviews, the
margin of error for the United States survey is +/- 0.8%.
Survey Question
All employers participating in the survey worldwide are asked the
same question, “How do you anticipate total employment at your
location to change in the three months to the end of March 2006
as compared to the current quarter?”
20
Net Employment Outlook
Throughout this report, we use the term “Net Employment
Outlook”. This figure is derived by taking the percentage of
employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and
subtracting from this the percentage of employers that expect to
see a decrease in employment at their location in the next quarter.
The result of this calculation is the Net Employment Outlook.
Seasonal Adjustment
Seasonal adjustments have been applied to the data for
Canada, United Kingdom and the United States to provide
additional insight into the survey data. These adjustments make
it possible to review the data without the employment
fluctuations that normally occur at the same time each year, thus
providing a clearer picture of the data over time. Manpower
intends to add seasonal adjustments to the data for other
countries in the future, as more historical data is compiled.
History of the Survey
1962 1st generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook
Survey launched in the United States and Canada.
1966 Manpower’s UK operation launches the equivalent of the
United States survey, naming the report the Quarterly
Survey of Employment Prospects. The survey adopts the
same forward-looking research format as the United States
survey and is the first of its kind in Europe.
1976 2nd generation of Manpower’s Employment Outlook
Survey launched in the United States and Canada.
Research methodology is updated to evolve with
advancements in the field of market research.
2002 Manpower UK’s Quarterly Survey of Employment
Prospects is updated to adopt an enhanced research
methodology. Manpower’s operations in Mexico and
Ireland launch the survey in their respective countries.
2003 3rd generation of the Manpower Employment Outlook
Survey is launched, expanding the program to a total 18
countries and territories worldwide: Australia, Austria,
Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland,
Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore,
Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom and United States.
2004 Manpower operations in New Zealand launch the
Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
2005 Manpower operations in China, India, Switzerland and
Taiwan launch the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.
About Manpower Inc. About Manpower USA
Manpower Inc. (NYSE: MAN) is a world leader in the employment In the United States, Manpower offers businesses a range of
services industry, offering customers a continuum of services to HR services, in addition to providing administrative, industrial
meet their needs throughout the employment and business cycle. and contact center personnel. Under the Manpower
The company specializes in permanent, temporary and contract Professional brand, the company places contract professionals
recruitment; employee assessment; training; career transition; on assignment in areas such as information technology,
organizational consulting services and professional financial scientific, finance, engineering and telecommunications. More
services. Manpower’s worldwide network of 4,300 offices in information about Manpower’s US operation can be found at
72 countries and territories enables the company to meet the www.us.manpower.com.
needs of its 400,000 customers per year, including small and
medium size enterprises in all industry sectors, as well as the
world’s largest multinational corporations. The focus of
Manpower’s work is on raising productivity through improved
quality, efficiency and cost-reduction, enabling customers to
concentrate on their core business activities. In addition to the
Manpower brand, the company operates under the brand names
of Right Management Consultants, Jefferson Wells and Elan.
More information on Manpower Inc. is available at
www.manpower.com.

21
 1st Quarter 2005

Manpower Employment Outlook Survey

United States

Manpower Inc., 5301 N. Ironwood Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53217

Tel: 414 961 1000
www.us.manpower.com

© 2005, Manpower Inc. All rights reserved.

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